Wednesday, July 2, 2025

Good Morning! On this day in 1982, DeFord Bailey, who some consider to be the first African-American country music star, died in his daughter’s Nashville home at the age of 82.

“Sherbert,” a Gentoo Penguin chick, made his debut at the Tennessee Aquarium just in time to celebrate the 4th of July—though his official name won’t be chosen until a fall fundraiser. See Sherbert in the story below.

We think of The Tennessee Flyover as more than a news publication—it's a family. And if you're reading this, you're a part of it. Every morning, we show up in your inbox hoping to offer a grounded, honest start to the day. And we are grateful that you start your day with us.

This week, one of our own—David, our editor-in-chief, and the second-longest serving member of The Flyover team—underwent surgery. He’s currently in the hospital recovering. We’d love to welcome him back with a wave of encouragement from the people he serves every day: you.

If you’d like to send David a get-well note, just reply to this email. We’ll make sure he sees every message. Let’s fill his inbox with support from across The Flyover family.

We're sponsored today by a Flyover favorite, the Sonic Glow Toothbrush.

Don’t feel like reading the national edition of The Flyover? Tune in to The Flyover Podcast! New episodes drop daily—watch on YouTube or listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, all in under 15 minutes.

Nearly 200 New Laws Hit Tennessee July 1

Tennessee rolled out 177 new laws on Tuesday, covering topics ranging from immigration to education.

Among the most notable new laws is that it's now a felony to knowingly harbor or transport illegal immigrants for profit, a law already facing legal challenges.

Additionally, schools must ban students' cell phones in class and expand recess to 40 minutes daily.

Other changes include stricter penalties for mass violence threats, driving license revocations for bullies, digital vehicle registrations, and a ban on mailing abortion drugs.

State Rep. Joins Race for TN-7 Seat

State Rep. Jay Reedy of Erin has filed to run for Tennessee's 7th Congressional District, soon to be vacated by U.S. Rep. Mark Green.

Reedy, a Trump ally, says he's running to shrink federal bureaucracy, eliminate the U.S. Department of Education, and fight federal overreach in Tennessee. He previously testified in the corruption trial of ex-House Speaker Glen Casada.

Reedy joins a growing GOP field that includes Matt Van Epps, Jon Thorpe, and Jason Knight—no Democrats have entered the race yet.

TVA Smokestacks Fall in Controlled Implosion

The Tennessee Valley Authority demolished two iconic smokestacks at the retired Bull Run Fossil Plant in Claxton on Saturday, marking the end of 61 years of coal-fired power generation.

The site is being prepped for new energy tech, with TVA partnering with ORNL and Type One Energy. Watch a video of the implosion here.

TVA says it's now weighing all energy options as national policy changes.

Flying together with our sponsor

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➤ Statewide: Tennessee is now the third most popular state for relocation in 2025, driven by lower living costs, industry expansion, and no state income tax. The South led all U.S. regions in net migration last year. (More)

➤ Also Statewide: The Department of Corrections will begin scanning inmate mail at three women's facilities and delivering it via tablets, aiming to curb contraband and speed up delivery. (More)

➤ Nashville: A federal judge delayed Kilmar Abrego Garcia's release over fears he could be deported before trial. Trump administration officials have stated they intend for him to face justice. (More)

➤ Cheatham County: Country singer John Rich joined residents opposing a proposed methane plant. (More)

➤ Anderson County: A 20-inch water main break early Tuesday in the Marlow community left 2,000 customers without water, prompting a boil advisory and water conservation request from local officials. (More)

➤ La Vergne: The city was named the freest in Tennessee by the Beacon Center on the City Freedom Index, praising its low government costs and minimal property restrictions. (More)

➤ The WNBA denied former Gov. Bill Haslam's bid for an expansion franchise in Tennessee. Haslam, who owns the Nashville Predators, vowed to continue looking for opportunities to bring women's sports to the state. (More)

➤ The Memphis Grizzlies signed Jaren Jackson Jr. to a massive $240 million extension on Monday that keeps him with the team through 2030. (More)

➤ Vanderbilt women's basketball announced on Monday that leading scorer Khamil Pierre is no longer with the program, although details on why she's splitting from the Commodores are not yet known. (More)

➤ Yesterday's results: MLB | Soccer | WNBA | Tennis

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Fire up the flavor this 4th of July with Flip Fork Pro! This double-sided grilling tool makes flipping burgers, ribs, and veggies fast, easy, and mess-free. Perfect for backyard BBQs and holiday cookouts, it's the ultimate upgrade for your grill game. Celebrate with sizzle—grab yours today!

➤ Little Leaf Farms is investing nearly $75 million in a new greenhouse facility in Manchester, Tennessee, expected to create 318 jobs over five years. (More)

➤ MAPCO introduced hemp-derived THC drinks from Better Than Booze at 23 Tennessee stores, making it one of the first major convenience chains in the region to stock the nonalcoholic, cannabis-infused beverages. (More)

➤ Tennessee gas prices dropped 7 cents to an average of $2.78 per gallon ahead of the July 4 holiday, lowering pump prices below last year's levels. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

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Flying together with our sponsor

Upgrade your smile with the Sonic Glow Tooth Brush—designed to whiten teeth, remove plaque, and promote healthier gums using advanced sonic technology. This sleek electric toothbrush makes brushing effortless and effective. Get yours now and enjoy a brighter, cleaner smile with every use. Limited-time offer—order today!

➤ A Gentoo Penguin chick nicknamed "Sherbert" hatched at the Tennessee Aquarium to first-time parents Carla and Bigfoot and will be officially named this fall through the aquarium's fundraiser. (See Sherbert)

➤ Blazing Fury, Dollywood's iconic rollercoaster, is set to reopen Friday in Pigeon Forge after being closed for renovations. The local fire department will be the first group to ride the updated 1978 attraction. (More)

➤ Chattanooga Whiskey is launching two limited-edition summer offerings on Wednesday: a citrusy Limecello and a ginger-infused bourbon highball, both crafted for warm weather and available at the distillery and select stores. (See Photos)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Blast away dirt and grime with the PowerStream Pressure Washer! Compact yet powerful, it easily tackles patios, driveways, siding, and more. No bulky machines or expensive services—just quick, effective cleaning right from your hose. Restore your home's shine in minutes with this lightweight, high-pressure cleaning solution!